Representative Don Humason



WELCOME SARAH LATOUR! By State Representative Don Humason, Jr. January 27, 2007 Today is the 3rd annual Penguin Plunge to benefit the Amelia Park Children’s Museum. Barring really inclement weather (I’m not sure what qualifies as “inclement” considering what we’re going to be doing), I will be joining a bunch of like-minded museum supporters (read here as “Crazy People”) who will plunge into the artic waters of the Congamond Ponds behind the Brass Rail Restaurant in Southwick to raise money for the new museum. The actual plunge is scheduled to take place around 1PM so if you’re free, come on down and enjoy the spectacle. And it’s never too late to sponsor me in my 3rd plunge or to contribute to the museum. Go to www.ameliaparkmuseum.org for more information. Speaking of the plunge, it looks like I got out of my old office on the 4th floor of the State House just in time. Less than a week after my move to my new office in room 542, the pipes above room 443 burst and flooded the entire office. Files, computers, furniture were all ruined. The remaining occupants had to be temporarily relocated while the office is repaired. I’d like to welcome Sarah Latour to my office in her new role as my Legislative Aide. She took over for Joe Wynn on Monday. She interned in my Westfield District Office for over a year while she completed school so she’s no stranger to Westfield or Massachusetts issues. Sarah is a 22 year-old Westfield resident, and a recent honors graduate of Western New England College. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from WNEC. Sarah is the daughter of Richard and Ellen Latour of Yeoman Avenue, Westfield, and has a brother and sister. Zachary Latour is a US Marine serving his country in Iraq. Rachel Latour is Sarah’s twin and is a student at the Elms College in Chicopee. I am certain Sarah will serve the people of Westfield admirably and I look forward to working with her. This week, the House met to debate the rules we will operate under for the next two years. I was disappointed but not surprised to see all the House rules reform proposals we Republicans proposed shot down by the Majority Party. The Leadership continues to tighten its grip over the procedures all House members, Republicans and Democrats, must follow during our Legislative session. You know the old adage about absolute power corrupting absolutely. Nowhere is that more evident than the Massachusetts House. It’s sad, really. One amendment to the rules would have required the state to tell cities and towns how much local aid they will receive by March 15 every year, to allow for advance planning. Often, local officials must craft their municipal budgets before they know how much state aid to expect. Another amendment would have required any tax increase proposal to receive a 2/3 vote in the House in order to pass. The legislation would also need to receive a roll call vote, so legislators are on the record as to how they voted. Both amendments were rejected by the Democrat-controlled House. In fact, every reform proposed by the House Republican caucus was rejected by the Democrat majority along party lines. The final vote on the rules was 133 to 19. I don’t think the public realizes that the Democrats so outnumber the Republicans in the House that not only can they make all the rules, but they can vote to suspend those rules and do whatever they want. They do so routinely. It’s unfair and unworthy of this august body. In spite of that, the members of the Republican caucus have pledged to work at making the House sessions as transparent to everyone as possible. Are you looking for something fun to do in the Pioneer Valley? The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau recently launched a new website to help market places and activities of interest in the Pioneer Valley. Go to www.ValleyVisitor.com. Have a great week. Stay warm! Representative Don Humason and his new aide Sarah Latour may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366. Their Boston address is State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803. Email address: Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us
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WELCOME SARAH LATOUR!

By State Representative Don Humason, Jr.

January 27, 2007

Today is the 3rd annual Penguin Plunge to benefit the Amelia Park Children’s Museum.

Barring really inclement weather (I’m not sure what qualifies as “inclement” considering what we’re going to be doing), I will be joining a bunch of like-minded museum supporters (read here as “Crazy People”) who will plunge into the artic waters of the Congamond Ponds behind the Brass Rail Restaurant in Southwick to raise money for the new museum.

The actual plunge is scheduled to take place around 1PM so if you’re free, come on down and enjoy the spectacle. And it’s never too late to sponsor me in my 3rd plunge or to contribute to the museum. Go to www.ameliaparkmuseum.org for more information.

Speaking of the plunge, it looks like I got out of my old office on the 4th floor of the State House just in time. Less than a week after my move to my new office in room 542, the pipes above room 443 burst and flooded the entire office. Files, computers, furniture were all ruined. The remaining occupants had to be temporarily relocated while the office is repaired.

I’d like to welcome Sarah Latour to my office in her new role as my Legislative Aide.

She took over for Joe Wynn on Monday. She interned in my Westfield District Office for over a year while she completed school so she’s no stranger to Westfield or Massachusetts issues.

Sarah is a 22 year-old Westfield resident, and a recent honors graduate of Western New England College. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from WNEC.

Sarah is the daughter of Richard and Ellen Latour of Yeoman Avenue, Westfield, and has a brother and sister. Zachary Latour is a US Marine serving his country in Iraq. Rachel Latour is Sarah’s twin and is a student at the Elms College in Chicopee.

I am certain Sarah will serve the people of Westfield admirably and I look forward to working with her.

This week, the House met to debate the rules we will operate under for the next two years. I was disappointed but not surprised to see all the House rules reform proposals we Republicans proposed shot down by the Majority Party. The Leadership continues to tighten its grip over the procedures all House members, Republicans and Democrats, must follow during our Legislative session.

You know the old adage about absolute power corrupting absolutely. Nowhere is that more evident than the Massachusetts House. It’s sad, really.

One amendment to the rules would have required the state to tell cities and towns how much local aid they will receive by March 15 every year, to allow for advance planning. Often, local officials must craft their municipal budgets before they know how much state aid to expect.

Another amendment would have required any tax increase proposal to receive a 2/3 vote in the House in order to pass. The legislation would also need to receive a roll call vote, so legislators are on the record as to how they voted.

Both amendments were rejected by the Democrat-controlled House. In fact, every reform proposed by the House Republican caucus was rejected by the Democrat majority along party lines. The final vote on the rules was 133 to 19.

I don’t think the public realizes that the Democrats so outnumber the Republicans in the House that not only can they make all the rules, but they can vote to suspend those rules and do whatever they want. They do so routinely. It’s unfair and unworthy of this august body. In spite of that, the members of the Republican caucus have pledged to work at making the House sessions as transparent to everyone as possible.

Are you looking for something fun to do in the Pioneer Valley? The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau recently launched a new website to help market places and activities of interest in the Pioneer Valley. Go to www.ValleyVisitor.com.

Have a great week. Stay warm!

Representative Don Humason and his new aide Sarah Latour may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366. Their Boston address is State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803. Email address: Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us

This Site Designed and Maintained by: The Barre Group